While in New York City last month, my husband and I headed to what we had read was one of the city’s best brunches: Clinton St. Bakery.
Owned by husband and wife Neil Kleinberg and DeDe Lahman, Clinton St. Bakery’s pancakes have been voted by New York Magazine and Time Magazine as New York’s best pancakes – multiple times. Martha Stewart also raved about their biscuits, and seeing as how I’d sell my right kidney for a delicious buttery biscuit, you didn’t have to tell me twice.
We rolled up to the famous red doors, walked in to get a table only to be told that the waiting list was currently at five hours. Five hours?! I could have arrived back in DC before the next table was available.
We left disappointed, but nonetheless found fluffy pancakes at a corner café to fill the void. Upon returning back to Dubai, I took a back road on my way home and saw that it was opening right off the boulevard! God wanted me to have those pancakes.
Opening weekend rolled around and guess who was up and at ‘em early on a Friday morning? I won’t wake up if the building is on fire, but I’ll race you to the breakfast table. There wasn’t much of a line when we got there and we were only two, so we were seated rather quickly. While there is a longer wait for groups of three or more on the weekends, you usually won’t wait more than an hour max.
I liked the chalkboard touch over the kitchen that listed specials and desserts. The décor was simple yet quirky, although it could have been more New York-y. Our waitress suggested the Blueberry Pancakes and the Soft Shell Crab Benedict. They were absolutely ridiculous in the best kind of way. The homemade maple syrup was out of this world. I may not be able to return to regular maple syrup again. And Neil’s famous Biscuits? Fuhgettaboutit..
I’ve returned multiple times since to try different dishes with friends and family and have yet to be disappointed. I definitely suggest the Banana Walnut Pancakes if you’re in the mood for a plate of happiness.
I have yet to try their lunch foods, but I’ve heard good things about their Burger and Fish Tacos.
The pricing is premium and the service speed totally depends on the day. Weekdays are obviously the best time to go, you’ll be fed and satisfied much faster than on the weekends.
All in all, I give Clinton’s 3.5 scoops and a fist bump.
WE SAID THIS: Check out our review of the DIFC’s newest addition, Lebanese fusion restaurant Nay.